Introduction: A Gospel Confirmed
The final line of Mark’s Gospel (long ending) says:
τοῦ κυρίου συνεργοῦντος, καὶ τὸν λόγον βεβαιοῦντος διὰ τῶν ἐπακολουθούντων σημείων
“…the Lord working with them, and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.”
The participle βεβαιοῦντος {veveoúndos} is a present active genitive singular participle from βεβαιόω. It belongs to the second half of a double genitive absolute and describes God’s continuous, active confirmation of the apostolic message by supernatural means. The grammar is tight, vivid, and theologically rich.
Though the form βεβαιοῦντος looks like a present participle, it is important to distinguish it from the perfect participle form (βεβαιωμένος). The participle here is indeed present active, and it functions as part of the genitive absolute construction that conveys God’s active role in validating the message preached.
Morphological Breakdown
- βεβαιοῦντος {veveoúndos} –
Root: βεβαιόω {vevaióō};
Form: present active participle, genitive masculine singular;
Voice: active;
Tense: present (ongoing);
Meaning: “confirming,” “making firm,” “validating”;
Function: second participle in a genitive absolute construction, modifying the implied subject (the Lord);
Usage: the word “βεβαιοῦντος” expresses the continual divine action of verifying the apostolic proclamation. - τὸν λόγον {ton lógon} –
Form: accusative masculine singular noun;
Translation: “the word”;
Function: object of the participle βεβαιοῦντος.
Syntactical Role: Participial Validation with Object
The construction:
– βεβαιοῦντος τὸν λόγον = “confirming the word”
This is the second element in a genitive absolute:
– The Lord is the implied agent in both participles.
– The present tense implies an ongoing process—not merely a single act of validation, but a continuing confirmation.
The clause διὰ τῶν ἐπακολουθούντων σημείων (“through the accompanying signs”) expresses the means by which this confirmation is made known.
Lexical and Theological Significance of βεβαιόω
The verb βεβαιόω means:
– “to make firm,” “to establish,” “to guarantee”
– Often used of covenantal reliability or doctrinal truth (cf. Heb. 2:3–4)
In this passage:
– The word preached is validated by God through external, visible signs.
– The grammar implies that the gospel does not stand by persuasion alone, but by divine backing.
This confirmation is not speculative—it is empirical, witnessed in miraculous signs, healings, and wonders. The participle describes a visible theology.
Literary and Narrative Implications
This participial structure:
– Concludes the Gospel narrative with divine endorsement of the apostolic mission.
– Implies that God continues to stand behind the word.
– Emphasizes that the gospel message is living, because God is actively at work in confirming it.
Confirming the Word
The participle βεβαιοῦντος isn’t just grammatical glue—it’s divine guarantee.
The apostles went.
They preached.
But the power?
God confirmed the word.
With signs.
With wonders.
With grammar that preaches even today.
